Here’s all about Hydrocotyle tripartita — also known as Hydrocotyle "Japan", a popular aquarium plant known for its bright green clover-like leaves, fast growth, and excellent use as a foreground...
Here’s all about Hydrocotyle tripartita — also known as Hydrocotyle "Japan", a popular aquarium plant known for its bright green clover-like leaves, fast growth, and excellent use as a foreground or carpeting plant in aquascaping.
Scientific Name: Hydrocotyle tripartita
Common Names:
Hydrocotyle "Japan"
Japanese Pennywort
Clover Leaf Plant
Family: Araliaceae
Origin: Southeast Asia and Australia
Leaf Shape: Small, clover or fan-shaped with three lobes
Leaf Color: Bright green
Growth Habit: Creeping, bushy, and mat-forming
Height: 3–10 cm (1–4 inches)
Growth Rate: Fast, especially under high light and CO₂
Parameter | Ideal Range |
---|---|
Temperature | 20–28°C (68–82°F) |
pH | 5.5–7.5 |
Hardness | Soft to moderately hard |
Lighting | Medium to High |
CO₂ | Strongly recommended for compact growth |
Substrate | Nutrient-rich preferred (but can grow in sand or gravel if fertilized) |
Growth Style: Horizontal runners forming dense mats
Trimming: Requires regular trimming to prevent vertical growth and maintain carpet
Propagation: Easily propagated by cutting and replanting the runners or individual stems with roots
Tank Placement: Ideal for foreground, carpet, or terracing small slopes
Common in Iwagumi, Dutch, and Nature-style aquascapes
Creates lush, green carpets or low mounds
Can climb up rocks or driftwood if allowed
Pairs beautifully with:
Hairgrass (Eleocharis acicularis)
Glossostigma elatinoides
Monte Carlo
Needs high light and CO₂ for compact, healthy growth
Trim frequently to avoid tall, leggy stems
Keep it unshaded for a flat carpet
Avoid planting too deep; roots should touch the substrate but crown should be exposed
Supplement with liquid fertilizers or root tabs
Issue | Cause |
---|---|
Yellowing or melting | CO₂ or nutrient deficiency |
Upright, tall growth | Low light or irregular trimming |
Sparse carpeting | Weak runners due to poor light/ferts |
Algae on leaves | High light without balancing nutrients or CO₂ |
Perfect for shrimp tanks — shrimp love grazing on the dense foliage
Provides hiding spots for fry
Safe for all peaceful fish
May be nibbled by plant-eaters like goldfish or some snails
Feature | Detail |
---|---|
Type | Creeping foreground plant |
Color | Bright green |
Growth Rate | Fast (with CO₂ & light) |
Placement | Foreground, carpeting, or mounded accents |
Lighting | Medium to high |
CO₂ Requirement | Recommended for compact growth |
Difficulty | Moderate |
Offers fast, lush carpeting with minimal vertical growth under the right conditions
Brings a fresh, clover-like texture to planted tanks
Versatile: Can climb, drape, or spread
A favorite among aquascapers for ease of shaping and trimming
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